Text: Hebrews 12:1-11
“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” —Hebrews 12:1
In the 1992 Summer Olympics, a story of perseverance was written. Derek Redmond, a British sprinter, lined up for the 400-meter semi final race with one dream—to win the gold medal. But halfway through the race, he suffered misfortune.
Redmond tore his hamstring and collapsed in pain. The crowd gasped, and officials rushed to help. But Redmond refused to be carried off. He got up and began hobbling toward the finish line. Then, in one of the most unforgettable moments in Olympic history, a man pushed past security—it was Derek’s father, Jim. Wrapping his arm around his son, he said, “You don’t have to do this.” Derek replied, “Yes, I do.” His father responded, “Well then, we’re going to finish this together.” So, arm in arm they limped around the track and made it to the finish line — not first, but faithful.
In this world we will face disappointments and hardships. We might feel the pain of shattered dreams, or unexpected suffering. But we are called to persevere in Christ.
In Hebrews 12, we see that faithfulness in the Christian life is compared to a long distance run. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. We are given the exhortation: “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
The phrase “lay aside every weight” implies a deliberate and decisive action to remove anything that hinders spiritual progress. We need to renounce things that are keeping us from being faithful in our calling as disciples. But we are also told where to put our focus—on Christ. We are to look away from the things of the world. Look away from diversions that pull us away from kingdom living. Look away from sins that ensnare us and “fix” our eyes on Jesus.
When we fix our eyes on Jesus we don’t get distracted by shallow worldly pursuits. We don’t get disheartened by past sin or failure. We don’t get paralyzed by today’s problems or tomorrow’s difficulties. Rather, we focus on what Jesus endured on our behalf. Reflecting on His suffering gives us strength. The promise that God will never leave us to ourselves in this race is a comfort to always keep pressing on. For He is sure to complete the work He started in us (Philippians 1:6). Let this be your confidence as you seek to abide in Him this week.
PRAYER
Jesus, thank you for the privilege of running this race with You. I recognize You as the Author and Finisher of the race, and You will never abandon me in my disappointments, struggles, and failures along the way. I fix my eyes on Your faithfulness to fuel me in this marathon of life. Together, we will one day cross the finish together.
Questions for Personal Reflection or Group Discussion:
- What are some things that easily ensnare you or weigh you down in your faith marathon?
- What does it look like to “lay aside” those weights in order to run your race more freely?
- In what ways are you currently enduring hardship or difficulty? How can looking to Jesus help you persevere?
- Who are your “great cloud of witnesses” that inspire you to live faithfully?
- What does it mean for you to “fix your eyes on Jesus”? How can you do this daily?
